9 Bold-ish Predictions: NFL Draft Edition

Experts are shooting off predictions left and right so I thought I would have some fun with it myself. Even though they are labeled “bold” as a headline, many times these predictions are par for the course. So here are my “bold-ish” predictions, some may be off the wall while some not so much. Enjoy!

6 DL go in the top 10…

This may seem like a stretch, but once you flip on the tape of these defensive linemen, you will understand that this isn’t too bold of a prediction! This draft is loaded with defensive line talent, especially at the top. Nick Bosa (Ohio St), Ed Oliver (Houston), Rashan Gary (Michigan), Clelin Ferrel (Clemson), Christian Wilkins (Clemson), and Dexter Lawrence (Clemson) could all legitimately be top 10 picks in 2019.

DL will dominate the 1st round…

As you could imagine with the previous prediction, the 2019 draft is loaded with talent all across the defensive line. In a league that is moving more and more towards an offensive league, this infusion of talent on the defensive side of the ball will be much needed. Some other names to keep your eye on as possible first or second day picks: Dre’Mont Jones (Ohio St), Raekwon Davis (Alabama), Brian Burns (Florida St), Zach Allen (Boston College), Austin Bryant (Clemson), Jeffery Simmons (Miss St), Greg Gaines (Washington), Jerry Tillary (Notre Dame), Montez Sweat (Miss St), and many more; there are just too many to name!

WR class will rival the 2014 class…

If you haven’t taken the time to breakdown the 2019 WR class, I suggest you do because you are in for a treat! This class is full of truly elite talent as well as a ton of players with tremendous upside. The talent in this class will rival the 2014 WR class that saw a number of elite pass catchers come out. I would not be surprised to see 4 or 5 go in the first round alone. Here are some players to watch for: N’Keal Harry (Arizona St), DK Metcalf (Ole Miss), Bryan Edwards (South Carolina), Deebo Samuel (South Carolina), Kelvin Harmon (NC State), AJ Brown (Ole Miss), Ahmmon Richards (Miami), Anthony Johnson (Buffalo), Collin Johnson (Texas), Jaylen Smith (Louisville), JJ Arcega-Whiteside (Stanford), and Marquise Brown (Oklahoma) just to name a few!

No QB will be taken in round 1…

This is bold more so because it is rare to see every team pass on QB in the first round, but I firmly believe it is what every team should do. As you go through rankings and mock drafts, you will notice a number of different names being thrown around and much different rankings for everyone. This is because the QB class is very lackluster at the moment. There is no QB that has set himself apart from the rest and no QB that appears to be that “slam dunk” type of prospect. Teams would be much better off passing in the first round and take someone to develop late on.

No RB will be taken in the top 20…

I will say, there are some RBs in this class that are top tier type of backs. This prediction is mostly combination of two things. First, none of these backs appear to be a “can’t miss” type of prospect that we have seen in the past few drafts. No top 5, or top 10 RB as we saw with the likes of Zeke and Fournette. Second, the top end talent at other positions is so good that teams would be better served waiting to take a quality back on Day 2. But some names that COULD crack the top 20 are David Montgomery (Iowa St), Rodney Anderson (Oklahoma), Damien Harris (Alabama), and Bryce Love (Stanford).

A TE will be drafted in the top 10…

Last draft we saw three TEs come off the board in the 1st round and the 2019 draft has a player that is every bit deserving of the same thing. Noah Fant, TE from Iowa, is an elite level prospect that is extremely athletic for the position. He adds in great route running and hands making him one of the better TE prospects we have seen over the past few years. Top 10 may be tough considering the level of talent there, but if a team is looking for a difference maker in the top 10, Fant can be just that! Don’t be shocked to see a team pull the trigger on him early.

At least 3 OTs will go in the top 15…

The 2018 draft saw zero offensive tackles go in the top 15 with the first one off the board pick 20. This season will be a bit different, I am predicting that three TEs will go off the board in the first 15 picks. Jonah Williams (Alabama), Greg Little (Ole Miss), and Trey Adams (Washington) all have a shot at going early in the draft and are talented enough to be the anchor of line at the next level.

Clemson will lead the 1st round…

In the past, we have seen some of CFB’s powerhouse teams put up some an impressive number of first round draft picks in a single year. In 2004 Miami had 6 first rounders, in 2016 Ohio St had 5 first rounders, and in this past draft Alabama had 4 in the first round. In 2019, it could be the year Clemson puts up a whopping number of first round picks. It should be no shock they are so talented considering they have been competing for a national title the past few seasons. Here are some of the potential first rounders; Dexter Lawrence (DT), Christian Wilkins (DT), Clelin Ferrell (DE), Mitch Hyatt (OT), and Austin Bryant (DE).

Teams will be trying to trade into the early 2nd round…

With so much talent sitting at the top of this draft when it comes to defensive line and wide receiver, it could lead to some talented players at other positions to be pushed down the draft. This will end up making the early 2nd round one of the most coveted and talented areas of the draft. Watch for teams to trade back/up to that spot and take advantage of the talent getting pushed back.